Opinion No.

Mr. A. Neal Pfeiffer Chairman Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles P.O. Box 13401, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Whether the Board of Pardons and Paroles may conduct release hearings through an independent hearing officer

Dear Mr. Pfeiffer:

You have requested our opinion regarding the use of a staff hearing officer by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles ("Board") to conduct final revocation proceedings. Specifically, you ask whether the use of these staff hearing officers is in compliance with minimum due process standards articulated by the United States Supreme Court in Morrissey v.…